168 Cooper Street, Brooklyn, NY 11207

The three-story, six-unit tenement building at 168 Cooper Street in Bushwick, owned by Akiva Lichtman, has experienced persistent maintenance issues throughout 2023-2025. Most concerning are the recent rodent infestation problems, with confirmed rat activity documented in multiple inspections from 2022 through 2025, and new violations found as recently as June 2025 that require follow-up inspections by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The building has also faced recurring heat and hot water system failures, with several emergency complaints filed between December 2024 and April 2025, though some of these complaints were classified as duplicates and others resulted in inspections where access could not be obtained. Multiple water-related issues were reported in early 2025, including both slow and heavy leaks, with violations issued after inspections.

The property has several outstanding safety compliance issues, particularly regarding lead paint hazard controls. Violations from a November 2023 inspection related to lead paint documentation remain open for Apartment 1L. While various plumbing complaints were filed in 2024, including issues with bathtubs, showers, and sinks, and some violations were issued, others were closed without violations being found. The building's history shows a relatively clean record regarding bedbug infestations, with no reported cases in the past five reporting periods from 2019 through 2024.

Earlier violations from 2022 included issues with ventilation covers, roof leaks, and interior plaster surfaces in Apartment 3R, all of which were subsequently addressed and closed. Recent building inspections have revealed persistent rodent activity, with the most recent rodent inspection in July 2025 confirming ongoing issues. The building's age (constructed in 1906) and classification as a New Law Tenement suggests it may require ongoing maintenance attention to address these recurring issues. The property has maintained a policy of regular bedbug reporting, showing no infestations, and while the building has undergone various repairs and corrections in response to violations, the frequency of complaints and violations suggests ongoing maintenance challenges.